Pictured Above: President Steve Currall announced March 17 that students would receive individual recognition at USF’s first in-person commencement since fall 2019.
Courtesy of Tara Zimmerman
By Sophie Ojdanic
Following backlash from students and their families, USF’s in-person commencement will now have each graduate’s name read during the ceremony.
Students will be allowed to stand to be recognized, but not walk across the stage.
“Since the (original) announcement, my leadership team and I have received valuable feedback from students and families who wish to ensure a personalized experience while balancing the need to provide a safe environment,” President Steve Currall wrote in the announcement on March 17.
The ceremony, which will include all three campuses, is tentatively scheduled for May 7 to 9 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
The announcement also said masks would be required and bags would not be allowed into the stadium. Students were also given a two guest limit.
“As long as my name is announced, I still feel as if that makes it ‘special enough,’ ” said Ciara Compart, a senior psychology major at USF Tampa. “Recognition for our hard work, after all, is what drives us to be ambitious; (it is) a reason to be proud and a total validation that what we’ve accomplished means something.”
Spring 2021 graduates who can’t or choose not to attend the ceremony this May will be welcomed back for ceremonies later this year honoring the spring, summer and fall 2020 graduating classes.
While photos will not be taken at the commencement ceremony, graduates will have the opportunity to take formal commencement photos “in front of the official USF backdrop, as well as at meaningful locations on our campuses,” according to the email.
St. Petersburg students will have their opportunities from April 5 to 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tampa students will have their opportunities from April 8 to 10 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sarasota-Manatee students will have their opportunity on April 23 from noon to 7 p.m.
Students are still required to register for commencement by April 5. Registration will also be required for photo opportunities.
